England cricketers enjoy salaries and lifestyles beyond the reach of many of those who follow them, but they certainly work hard for their money. The team's schedule for the next 12 months and beyond is demanding enough to tempt Andrew Strauss and Andy Flower to rest key players and reduce the risk of injury.

The "dog-thrower" Graham Gooch uses to drill England batsmen has become a regular feature of the team's net sessions, and if Jonny Bairstow keeps his place for the next Test at Edgbaston, he will surely become very familiar with it. Bairstow is a player of much promise and England believe he has the talent and attitude to succeed in Tests. The 22-year-old might prove his supporters right, but first he must work hard to sharpen his technique against the short ball.

Roberto Martinez took a step closer to the vacant Liverpool manager's job after meeting with the club's owners in Miami yesterday, according to Dave Whelan. But the Wigan chairman also cast doubt on Martinez's willingness to work under a technical director.

Roberto Martinez took a step closer to the vacant Liverpool manager's job after meeting with the club's owners in Miami yesterday, according to Dave Whelan. However, the Wigan chairman also cast doubt on Martinez's willingness to work under a technical director at Anfield.

Shivnarine Chanderpaul's batting technique is the antithesis of
elegance. Shuffling across the crease to turn the ball into the leg
side, Chanderpaul's workmanlike style frustrates bowlers and
spectators alike. Yet Test cricket will miss him when he is
gone.

For five minutes yesterday, before the rains came back, a dressing room held its collective breath. Shivnarine Chanderpaul, the world's No 1 batsman, on whose shoulders reside almost all West Indies' hopes for the Test series against England, summoned the team physiotherapist.